• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported yesterday an increase of 258 percent in influenza-like illness in Negros Occidental from January to December 2 this year.
Dr. Ma. Girlie Pinongan, provincial health officer, however, said the situation is manageable.
PHO records showed cases of influenza-like illness rose to 2,211, from 616 cases in 2022.
Influenza-like illness is a nonspecific respiratory illness characterized by fever, fatigue, cough, and other symptoms that stop within a few days.
Pinongan attributed the increase in influenza-like cases to the cold season.
She pointed out that these are not Covid-19 cases, but still advised the public to wear masks, especially in closed areas.
“Avoid close contact with persons who have cough, fever and flu,” she added.
Isabela town logged the highest number of cases, at 1,680, while San Carlos City ranked second with 129 cases.
Candoni and Hinobaan posted zero cases, the PHO report added.
While Negros Occidental has no Covid-19 admissions in public hospitals, there are positive cases admitted in private hospitals, Pinongan said. | GB
